Journey among the islands of Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui to focus on each island's history, geology, physical environment, flora and fauna. Spectacular views of the islands from the ocean show the difference in topography, age and personality of each. Learn why each island is so special.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to 1.5 miles per day, some uneven ground. Some stairs unavoidable. Getting on and off bus. Limited wheelchair-accessible rooms.

This voyage combines Road Scholar’s trademarkeducation and camaraderie with accessto Norwegian Cruise Line’s wide varietyof activities and dining and entertainmentoptions. While you’ll spend much of yourtime with the Road Scholar group, pleaseconsider that you’ll be on a large ocean linerwith passengers of all ages when deciding ifthis program is right for you.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Waikiki, Oahu, 3 nights; aboard Pride of America, 7 nights.

Coordinated by Hawaii Pacific University.

Days 1-4:

Arrival Waikiki, Oahu / embark Pride of America:

Absorb the story of Hawaii and its place in the Pacific at the Bishop Museum and the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. Lectures provide an overview of Hawaii and reveal the formation and evolution of the Hawaiian Islands.Lodging: Deluxe, four-star hotel.

Day 5-6:

Kahului, Maui:

Visit the lush Iao Valley State Park, sacred to the Hawaiian people and site of a battle between Maui warriors and the army of Kamehameha I. Examine Hawaii’s exotic flora and fauna at Haleakala National Park.

Day 7:

Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii:

Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and study the island’s geothermal core. Hike a cooled lava trail and stop at an orchid nursery with more than 1,000 blooming orchids on display.

Day 8:

Kona, Big Island of Hawaii:

An expert-led visit to a privately owned cloud forest preserve highlights the diversity of the ecosystem.

Days 9-10:

Nawiliwili, Kauai:

Free time to explore the beautiful "Garden Isle" on your own. See the cliffs of Waimea Canyon, the geologically spectacular "Grand Canyon" of the Pacific. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Na Pali coastline as you sail away.

Day 11:

Honolulu, Oahu / disembark / departure

Pride of America

Built in 2005, the Pride of America is the only cruise ship in the world sailing under the American flag. It is 921 feet long by 106 feet wide and has 13 passenger decks with a total double-occupancy capacity of up to 2,144 passengers. The ship has free programming for children most evenings.

Once the favorite playground of Hawaii's royalty and their distinguished guests, Waikiki was almost entirely wetlands at the turn of the 20th century - full of taro patches, rice paddies and fish ponds. Today, it has all the amenities and activities of a major urban center, along with some of Oahu's most beautiful white sand beaches.
Located at the gateway to Waikiki, the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki overlooks the beautiful, blue Pacific Ocean and the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. The guest rooms at this AAA Four Diamond property are all oceanfront with floor to ceiling windows. Amenities include shuttle service to Waikiki and surrounding beaches, valet parking, turndown service upon request, swimming pool, whirlpool, business center, fitness room, expanded channel offerings including free and pay movies, in room mini-refrigerator with bottled water on day of arrival, in room safe, hair dryer, iron, bath robe, four restaurants, and free transportation to the hotel’s 27 hole championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer (guests receive preferred tee times and special rates) or to two championship tennis courts.

2014: $189 + taxes Please call the hotel directly at (800) 321-6248. Request the special PII Road Scholar Group rate. This rate is based upon availability in the “Run of Ocean” Room Category . Please note: the rate may vary based on your program dates. The hotel requires a credit card to guarantee your room reservation. Credit cards accepted include American Express, Diners, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance to avoid penalty.

Check in time:

3:00 PM

Pride of America

Type:

Cruise Ship

Description:

Built in 2005, the Pride of America is the only cruise ship in the world sailing under the American Flag. It is 921 feet long by 106 feet wide and has 15 passenger decks with a total double-occupancy capacity of up to 2,144 passengers (of whom approximately 40 are Participants). The ship has free programming for children most evenings. Inside and outside cabins on middle decks; double-, triple- and quadruple-occupancy cabins with air conditioning and private bathrooms with shower.

Each cabin has air conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting, a sitting area, television,refrigerator, safe, and a private bathroom with shower. Please note that the ship reserves the right to upgrade cabins which may place participants on a different deck.

Travel Details

Start
of Program:
Registration between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Hawaii Prince Hotel lobby.Upon arrival, please proceed to the hotel’s front desk to check in. You will then be directed to the Road Scholar registration desk. You will be staying at Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki that night.

End
of Program:
Ship arrives by 7:30 am Honolulu Harbor. Disembarkation process will follow and timing is based upon cabin location. Disembarkation complete by 10:00 am at Honolulu Harbor with independent departures. You will be staying at Pride of America the night before.

Required
documents:
The Participant Information Form is required. All participants need valid Photo Identification Documentation to board the ship. Acceptable identification includes a valid Passport, Government Issued Photo ID, or valid U.S. Driver’s License that includes a photograph. A valid Passport is required for non-U.S citizens. Any passenger traveling without proper photo identification as described will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund will be issued. For more information about this requirement please visit this NCL website (www.ncl.com) and look under Specific Requirements for NCL’s Pride of America.

Travel Details

HNL

From Airport

Service:

Commercial Van/ShuttleSpeedi Shuttlephone: 877-242-5777

Per Person/One Way:

Arrival fares begin at $14.55; Round-trips from $26.79 includes a 10% discount on return segmentPrices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

30- 45 minutes depending upon traffic

Distance:

10 miles

Shuttle stops are conveniently located on the ground level at the tour group areas adjacent to Baggage Claims C and H, curbside between Baggage Claim D and E and the Commuter Terminal. Greeters & Shuttle Attendants wearing red aloha prints are present throughout baggage claim & at each pickup location to arrange your transportation. SpeediShuttle signage is located throughout the terminals & at each pickup zone. Shuttles depart within 20 minutes of check-in. More info www.speedishuttle.com

HNL

From Airport

Service:

TaxiAMPCO Expressphone: 808-861-8294

Per Person/One Way:

Approx $35.00 - $40.00Prices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

30 min - 45 min depending upon traffic

AMPCO Express is the managing contractor of the Airport's Open Taxi System at Honolulu International Airport. The state established this Airport Open Taxi Management system for taxi drivers from all taxi companies to be able to pick-up at the airport. Taxi Service is available on the center median fronting the terminal baggage claim areas. See the taxi dispatchers (green shirts with black lettering, and the wording “TAXI DISPATCHER”) for service.

45 minutes - 1 hour

Pride of America (Port of Honolulu)

To Airport

Service:

TaxiVarious

Per Person/One Way:

Approximately $25 - $30Prices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

10 minutes

Distance:

5 miles

Taxis are available for hire curbside outside the Pier exit gate. There are various taxi cab companies that service Honolulu. Listed are a few established companies. Rates are subject to change.
The Cab
(808) 422-2222
Pony Taxi and Tours
(808) 944-8282
Charley's Taxi
808-531-1333

$12.00Prices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

10 minutes

Distance:

5 miles

Hawaii Prince Hotel is approximately 10 miles from Honolulu International Airport. Upon exiting the airport, turn right and get onto Nimitz Highway (Hwy 92) headed East towards downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. After downtown Honolulu, Nimitz Highway turns into Ala Moana Blvd. Keep following the Ala Moana Blvd towards Waikiki past the Ala Moana shopping center on the left and Ala Moana Beach park on the right. After passing these two sites, there will be a small bridge into Waikiki. Immediately after the bridge you'll find the Hawaii Prince hotel on the right (ocean side). The hotel's garage is accessed from the ocean side of the hotel.

From Ship to Airport and Waikiki

The program concludes when the ship docks in Honolulu Harbor. Participants can make arrangements to get into Waikiki or to Honolulu International Airport from the ship's shore excursion desk while on board, or they can catch a cab after disembarkation. The ship also offers shore excursions which may be of interest on the last day, and those may include a drop-off at the airport or in Waikiki.

From the Continental US to Hawaii:

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii's major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii's visitors. All
twenty-three major domestic carriers (such as American, Continental, Delta and United, etc.) and sixteen international carriers serve Oahu, so you can get here from just about anywhere.
Since Hawaii is the 50th state, you won't need to bring your passport unless you're visiting from outside the United States or traveling to another country after Hawaii.
You can buy your flights directly on your own, through your local travel agent or over the Internet using the airline’s own website or through a travel website such as Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com or Kayak.com.
Airport Code:
HNL – Honolulu, Oahu

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Registration / Welcome(Wednesday, September 24)

Afternoon:

Available from 3 p.m.

Program Registration: After checking in at the hotel’s front desk, please go to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to register, pick up your Arrival Packet, which will have the latest updated schedule, and find out the time of the next day’s Orientation.

Dinner:

Welcome buffet at hotel restaurant that is award-winning and highly rated by local residents and visitors.

Evening:

We will have brief introductions but will call it an evening early to allow participants to adjust to the travel and the time difference.

Full buffet at Prince Court Restaurant. Enjoy an array of western breakfast choices (cereal, eggs, pastries, fresh fruit), as well as Asian breakfast options.

Morning:

Orientation: Enjoy a warm welcome and introductions to staff and your fellow participants. We will review the schedule, go over "housekeeping" details and answer all your questions.

After the orientation, enjoy an introduction to Oahu in a morning class," Oahu, the Gathering Place."

Lunch:

At a local restaurant overlooking Ford Island and Pearl Harbor.

Afternoon:

At USS Arizona Memorial National Historic Park, view a historical film in the park theater, take a launch boat ride across Pearl Harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial, and upon returning, a short break to explore the museum and book shop. Next, coach through historic Honolulu to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ("Punchbowl"). Learn about its significance and enjoy the spectacular views — you'll want your camera!

Dinner:

Delicious buffet in the hotel restaurant.

Evening:

Enjoy free time to explore the excitement of Waikiki. Check out local music, walk along the beach, or just soak up the atmosphere.

Experience a field trip to Iolani Palace, the official residence of King David Kalakaua (1882-1891) and Queen Liliuokalani (1891-1893), the last monarchs of Hawaii. It is a Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States. Learn about Hawaii's rich history before statehood.

Lunch:

On your own to explore local fare.

Afternoon:

Enjoy free time to explore Waikiki and Honolulu on your own. Your group leader will make suggestions based on your interests, or if you are in need of ideas to explore all of the culture and beautiful natural surroundings this paradise has to offer.

Check out of the hotel and hear two fascinating lectures: "The Island Chain - Formation and Evolution of the Hawaiian Islands" and "Wind, Weather and Waves." Learn about Hawaii's unique natural history and the environment.

Lunch:

Enjoy a boxed lunch poolside, in your room or in the lobby. Prepare for check out and departure.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a field trip to Bishop Museum, designated the State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of Hawaii and its place in the Pacific. Start with an expert-led exploration of the museum, then enjoy free time to explore on your own. Transfer to the Honolulu Harbor to board the “Pride of America.”

Dinner:

As a group aboard the ship in one of the fine dining establishments.

Evening:

Enjoy a free evening to explore the ship, relax and participate in shipboard activities and entertainment.

Note: During the Iao Valley field trip, there is an option of climbing 131 stairs to the top or staying at the visitor's center or on the bus.

Breakfast:

Freestyle dining aboard ship. Choose any open dining venue on your own before meeting the group for the first activity of the day.

Morning:

Enjoy the lecture “Where Did Everybody Come From?” Learn about Maui's unique history and its special qualities before your field trip in port.

Lunch:

Aboard ship on your own. Choose from the grill on the pool deck, sit down in the open restaurant or choose the buffet lunch.

Afternoon:

Experience Iao Valley State Park, a lush green valley that is a sacred site to the Hawaiian people and is the historic location of a fierce battle between Maui warriors and the army of Kamehameha I.

Dinner:

On your own aboard ship or explore the local fare at one of Maui's many restaurants as the ship is docked overnight.

Evening:

Enjoy a free evening to continue exploring Maui on your own or to relax and participate in shipboard activities. Your group leader will be happy to offer suggestions or visit the Shore Excursions desk for ideas. The ship overnights in Maui.

Note: The high elevation (10,023 feet) at the summit area of Haleakala National Park may complicate health conditions and cause breathing difficulties. People should consult their doctors prior to traveling to high elevations.

Breakfast:

Freestyle dining aboard ship. Choose any open dining venue for breakfast on your own before meeting the group for the first activity of the day.

Morning:

Enjoy a spectacular day in Haleakala National Park and the summit area of Haleakala, an active shield volcano. Learn about Hawaii's indigenous animals and plants, including the endemic Ahinahina (silversword). The park is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.

Lunch:

At a local Maui restaurant.

Afternoon:

Return to Kahului Harbor for some free time to explore Maui before dinner.

Dinner:

As a group aboard ship. Be sure to be aboard as the ship will depart this evening.

Evening:

Ship sails for Hilo. Enjoy a free evening on board to relax and participate in shipboard activities. You might consider several music venues and nightly entertainment in the showroom.

Note: Thurston Lava Tube can be wet and slippery; 15-20 stairs down to the tube and 15-20 back up. There is 1-2 miles of walking on this day on varied terrain.

Breakfast:

Freestyle dining aboard ship. Choose any open dining venue for breakfast on your own before meeting the group for the first activity of the day.

Morning:

There is an array of fascinating sights and hikes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You may consider Jaggar Museum and its overlook into Kilauea Caldera, or the Steam Vents where ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks in this area and returns to the surface as steam. You may walk through a lush rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, a natural cave formed by ancient lava flows, or hike the Devastation Trail, which was formed in 1959 as a result of an eruption from the Kilauea Iki crater (Iki is Hawaiian for small). Stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center to see exhibits on volcanoes, rainforest and island formation.

Lunch:

Enjoy a deli selection at the Crater Rim Cafe, Kilauea Military Camp (KMC). KMC is a 50-acre military “R&R” camp located within confines of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It was founded in 1916, the same year as the National Park.

Afternoon:

Continue your exploration of the park. Along the way back to the ship, you'll make a brief stop at an impressive orchid nursery that has over 1,000 blooming orchids on display. It is one of the largest collections in Hawaii.

Dinner:

Freestyle dining on your own aboard the ship. Return to a restaurant that you enjoyed or try out a new one.

Evening:

Enjoy a free evening to relax and participate in shipboard activities. If conditions permit and Madame Pele allows, you may be able to view molten lava as it flows from its source to the coast as the ship sails away.

Note: This is a "tender" port. As Kona has a small port, the ship must anchor off-shore. The group will board tenders (smaller boats) that will transfer them to Kona's shore. Assistance is provided by ship staff at boarding time.

Breakfast:

Freestyle dining aboard ship. Choose any open dining venue for breakfast on your own before meeting the group for the first activity of the day.

Morning:

Visit a privately owned cloud forest preserve on the slopes of Hualalai to learn about the plants of the tropical cloud forest. This exclusive excursion is not open to the general public and is a special place.

Lunch:

Enjoy a picnic.

Afternoon:

Experience the historic site of Puuhonua (Place of Refuge) O Honaunau National Historical Park, which contains one of the most sacred heiau (traditional place of worship) in the islands. Through a self-guided walking exploration, learn about Hawaiian building construction, heiau, and the process through which ancient Hawaiians pardoned those who broke the kapu (laws).

Dinner:

As a group aboard the ship at Moderno Churrascaria

Evening:

Enjoy a free evening to relax and participate in shipboard activities. The ship sails to Kauai.

Freestyle dining aboard ship. Choose any open dining venue for breakfast on your own before meeting the group for the first activity of the day.

Morning:

Experience Kauai on your own during a free day. Your group leader will offer optional classes aboard the ship this morning. You may also choose to remain on the ship and rest or enjoy shipboard activities. The ship’s spa often has specials while in port.

Lunch:

Explore local fare on your own, either in Kauai or aboard ship.

Afternoon:

Continue your free day in Kauai. You may want to sign up for the ship's luau, which is hosted ashore (there is a fee; book through ship's Shore Excursion desk).

Dinner:

Aboard ship or on your own in port.

Evening:

Enjoy a free evening to continue your exploration of Kauai, relax, or participate in shipboard activities. The ship overnights in Kauai.

Freestyle dining aboard ship. Choose any open dining venue for breakfast on your own before meeting the group for the first activity of the day.

Morning:

Today you experience the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon, the geologically spectacular "Grand Canyon" of Hawaii, and Kokee State Park. Learn about Kauai's natural history, including stops to view Waimea Canyon's incredible erosional valleys from several vantage points. At Kokee State Park, high in the rainforest, continue natural history studies in lush green surroundings. You'll also visit the quaint Kokee Museum to learn about Kauai's native birds, plants and other unique natural resources.

Lunch:

Aboard the ship.

Afternoon:

Ship departs for Honolulu Harbor via the spectacular Na Pali ("the cliffs") coast of Kauai. While taking in the view, enjoy a free afternoon to relax and participate in shipboard activities.

Dinner:

Aloha (Farewell) Dinner aboard ship. This is a last opportunity to socialize with new friends before disembarking tomorrow.

Evening:

Enjoy a last free evening to relax and participate in shipboard activities.

Disembark ship. Independent departure for airport or other destinations. The ship's Shore Excursion desk does offer optional activities for this day for those of you who may have late flights and would be interested in an activities (there may be a fee; book through shore excursions desk aboard ship).

We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please be in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network, where you can share memories, pictures and comments. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals
Included:

Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities

Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii

Imiloa Astronomy CenterThe relationship between Hawaiian culture and the universe is showcased through a colorful variety of displays and interactive exhibits. There are daily Planetarium shows, an extensive Exhibit Hall to discover, landscape tours. Lunch is available at the on-site restaurant.
Hours of Operation are:
Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
Admission Rates:
Adults (13 and up) $17.50
Located at: Nowelo St, Hilo, HI 96720
Reservation Info
Phone:(808) 969-9700
Fax:(808) 969-9748
For additional information, visit www.imiloahawaii.org

Liliuokalani Park Gardens
The Liliuokalani Park and Gardens covers almost 30 acres on the Waiakea Peninsula. This authentic Japanese garden park was built in the early 1900's as a memorial to the Japanese immigrant sugar plantation workers who developed the old Waiakea Sugar Plantation. It is named in honor of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani who bequeathed part of park land for public use. Beautiful grounds for a leisurely stroll featuring gazebos, fish ponds, bridges, statues and a panoramic view across Hilo Bay.
Phone: (808) 826-1053
Hours: Grounds are always open For additional information, visit www.gohawaii.com

Kona, Big Island of Hawaii

Hulihee PalaceBuilt in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini, Hulihee Palace remained until 1916 a retreat and vacation spa for Hawaiian royalty. The Palace is now a museum, displaying historical treasures from Hawaii's past including a collection of former Hawaiian royalty furniture and effects, as well as ancient artifacts. In 1925, the palace was purchased by the Territory of Hawaii and turned over to the Daughters of Hawaii, an organization dedicated to perpetuate the memory and spirit of old Hawaii and of historic facts.
75-5718 Alii Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
Tel: (808) 329-1877
Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9am-4pm
Adults: $6.00 Seniors: $4.00 For additional information, visit www.huliheepalace.org

Kahua Ranch
Kahua Ranch is located on the western slope of the Kohala Mountains, 3000 feet above sea level. This 8,500 acres of private ranch land provides a variety of landscapes. It is a working ranch with cattle and sheep ranching, hydroponic greenhouses, and also offers visitor related activities including ATV and horseback tours, paniolo bbq, shooting range, and hiking.
Reservation Information:
Phone:(808) 882-4646
Fax:(808) 882-4444
For additional information, visit www.kahuaranch.com/

Kona Coffee Plantation and Factory Tour
Almost everyone has heard about the magnificent taste of hand-picked Kona coffee. Some of the best coffee in the world is grown on a narrow strip of land in the mountain slopes above Kailua-Kona. Nearly 600 farms share space in this 20-mile-long, 2-mile-wide coffee-rich corridor. Island Sun Coffee or Greenwell Farms are a couple of farms that offer a plantation tour and tasting for a unique sightseeing and educational experience. For additional information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com/vendors.html

Kahului, Maui, Hawaii

Maui Nui Botanical GardensGarden Tours Available: Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, weekly, 150 Kanaloa Ave. Kahului, HI 96732
Tours cover the natural history, conservation and ethnobotanical uses of native Hawaiian and Polynesian-introduced plants as well as the Gardens' projects in these areas. Tours are free with a suggested donation of $5 per person. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 808-249-2798. For additional information, visit www.mnbg.org

Kauai MuseumThe history of Kauai is kept safe in this great little museum and is worth a stop at before you set out to explore the island. It contains a wealth of historical artifacts and information tracing the island's history from the beginning of time through Contact (when Capt. James Cook "discovered" Kauai in 1778), the monarchy period, the plantation era, and the present. See old poi pounders and idols, relics of sugar planters and paniolos, a nice seashell collection, old Hawaiian quilts, feather leis, a replica of a plantation worker's home, a model of Cook's ship, and much more.
4428 Rice Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Ph: 808-245-6931
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 10am-4pm
Admission: Admission
General Public: $10.00
Seniors (65+): $8.00
For additional information, visit www.kauaimuseum.org

Kilohana Plantation
This 1930's plantation estate was the home of Gaylord and Ethel Wilcox, descendents of missionary families. Gaylord was the manager of the Grove Farm Plantation. His 16,000 square-foot mansion was loving restored and is open to the public. The motif of the house shows how Kauai's rich and famous lived back when sugar was king of the islands. On premise they have Gaylord's Restaurant, a terrific boutique, a country store, and galleries. Guided Plantation tours are available for a fee.
3-2087 Kaumualii Highway
Lihue, HI 96766
Ph: 808-245-5608
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am - 9:30pm
Sun 9:30am - 5pm
Tour hours: 11:00am 6:30pm daily
Admission to the house: FREE For additional information, visit kilohanakauai.com/

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Diamond HeadDiamond Head State Monument is a true gem on Oahu. Actually named Leahi by Hawaiians, it received its more well known name in the late 1700’s when British seamen saw calcite crystals sparkling in the sunshine and thought they had found diamonds. A hike to the top of Diamond Head takes about an hour over a well-worn path. The summit offers a spectacular 365-degree view of Oahu and is a must trip for photography enthusiasts.
Oahu District Office, Hawaii State Parks
P.O. Box 621
Honolulu, HI 96809
Tel: 808-587-0300
Open: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM Year round.
For additional information, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/index.cfm?park_id=15

Discover Historic Honolulu
Located in the heart of Honolulu you'll find many of Hawaii's most historic buildings, including the Iolani Palace home to Hawaii's last monarchs and the only palace on U.S. soil. You'll also want to visit the Hawaii State Capitol, the Kamehameha I Statue, Kawaiahao Church -the first Christian church in Hawaii, the Mission Houses Museum and the Old Federal Building. All of historic Honolulu is within walking distance of downtown parking at the equally famous Aloha Tower. For additional information, visit www.honolulu.gov/moca/historichonolulu.htm

Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii and is dedicated to safeguarding the fragile marine life in the Bay. It is one of the more popular recreational swimming, snorkeling and picnicking areas on O`ahu. The bay itself is legally designated as a State Underwater Park and is the first Marine Life Conservation District in the State.
7455 Kalanianaole Highway. (Enter Hanauma Bay Education Center off the main coastal road Kalanaianaole Highway Route 72 near the eastern tip of Oahu). Pre-recorded Information: (808) 396-4229. Open daily from 6:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. except on Tuesdays. For additional information, visit www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay

Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo covers 42 lush, shady acres at the Diamond Head end of Waikîkî. It features some special exhibits such as the Nene (the Hawai`i state bird), native Hawaiian forest birds, and the highlight of the zoo, the Kabuni Reserve. The African savanna covers 12-acres where animals roam freely behind disguised barriers in 30 different habitats. The zoo is located near Kapiolani Park at the corner of Kapahulu and Kalakaua Avenue. Up against the zoo fence, local artists display their paintings and crafts.
151 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
Tel: 808-971-7171
Hours: 9:00 am-4:30 pm daily
For additional information, visit www.honoluluzoo.org

Shop in Waikiki and in the Greater Honolulu Area
Waikiki is a great place to shop and offers prestigious retailers such as Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton as well as more modest stores such as the ever-present ABC Stores and the world-famous International Market Place. The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center contains 150 stores and restaurants on four levels. Ala Moana Shopping Center, located in the heart of Honolulu, is one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the world with more than 200 stores to meet your every need. The Center is recognized as having the flagship stores for most major international, national and local retailers. Other nearby malls in Honolulu to shop at include Aloha Tower Marketplace; Ward Warehouse and Ward Center, across from Fisherman’s Wharf; and Kahala Mall in Kahala.

Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium's exhibits, programs, and research focus on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. Over 3,500 marine animals in our exhibits represent more than 500 species of aquatic animals and plants. Every year, 330,000 people including 30,000 school age children visit. It has been designated as the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center for the Pacific Island Region of the Coastal America Partnership.
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808)923-9741
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily
(facility closes at 5:00 p.m.) For additional information, visit http://www.waquarium.org/

Waikiki at Night
At night Waikiki is an exuberant world of shops, bistros and neon lights, alive with people, and complete with amusing street entertainers. Often heralded as the ambassadors of aloha, these musicians, singers, mimes, drummers, and a myriad of other performers give Waikiki a local color and ambience found nowhere else in the Hawaiian Islands. Street performers start about 8pm and ends about 10pm.

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List

Hawaiian Mythology

Author: Beckwith, Martha

Description: General

Shoal of Time

Author: Daws, Gavan

Description: General

The Illustrated Atlas of Hawaii

Author: Daws, Gavan

Description: General

Plants in Hawaiian Culture

Author: Krauss, Beatrice H.

Description: General

Feathered Gods and Fishhooks

Author: Kirch, Patrick V.

Description: General

Volcanoes in the Sea: The Geology of hawaii

Author: Macdonald, G.A., A. T. Abbott, and F.L. Peterson

Description: General

Hawai`i A Unique Geography

Author: Morgan, Joseph R.

Description: General

The Echo of Our Song Chants and Poems of the Hawaiians

Author: Pukui, Mary K. and Alfons L. Korn

Description: General

Beyond Paradise

Author: Adler, Peter S.

Description: General Environment

Hawaii - A Natural History

Author: Carlquist, Sherwin

Description: General Environment

Islands in a Far Sea: Nature and Man in Hawai`i

Author: Culliney, John L.

Description: General Environment

Hawaii: The Islands of Life

Author: Daws, Gavan

Description: General Environment

The Whales of Hawaii

Author: Balcomb, Kenneth C. III and Stanley M. Minasian

Description: Hawai`i's Marine Environment

Hawaiian Coral Reef Ecology

Author: Gulko, David

Description: Hawai`i's Marine Environment

Hawai`i's Fishes

Author: Hoover, John P.

Description: Hawai`i's Marine Environment

Hawai`i's Sea Creatures: A Guide to Hawai`i's Marine Invertabrates

Author: Hoover, John P.

Description: Hawai`i's Marine Environment

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

10 nights accommodations

27 meals:
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Expert-led lectures: 6

Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.

Field trips: 10

Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Plus these special experiences...

Great overview of Hawaii - a perfect way to see several islands and participate in field trips as well as shipboard activities

Visit Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"

View the red glow of lava from Kilauea volcano from the ship at night (weather permitting)

Wander through a private tropical cloud forest and learn about Hawaii's unique plants and natural environments.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.

An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.

Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.